Three hurt in crash in Poway

POWAY - Three people were injured Tuesday morning when their
car, which was reportedly racing another vehicle, slammed into a
tree in a suspected alcohol-related crash, authorities said.

The collision was reported at 4:58 a.m., and responding deputies
found a blue Honda "wrapped around a tree" on Twin Peaks Road west
of Wood Creek Road, sheriff's Sgt. Dennis Mahar said.

The crash is believed to have occurred after the Honda's driver
lost control while speeding eastbound down Twin Peaks Road with
another vehicle, Mahar said. The Honda went into westbound lanes
and struck the tree; the other vehicle took off in an unknown
direction.

Deputies found the driver - who is suspected of being under the
influence - dazed and wandering around the vehicle, authorities
said. Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to cut out the other two
occupants.

A male passenger was taken by medical helicopter to Palomar
Medical Center in Escondido while the driver and a female passenger
were taken to a hospital by ambulance, Mahar said.

The crash is under investigation by the Poway Sheriff's Station
traffic unit.